If you're a resident of Big Spring and you take a vacation every now and then, or if you travel regularly for work, police want to remind you of a special program designed to protect your home while you're away.

It's called the "House Watch Program", offered by the Big Spring Police Department.

Through this free program, the "Volunteers in Police Service" will watch your home for any suspicious activity or emergencies.

This program has been in effect for the past several years, but police want to remind residents who might be interested in enrolling.

Residents can take advantage if they're away for no more than 30 days.

Big Spring P.D. says this doesn't guarantee against loss, theft, damage or mischief, but it can act as a vital tool to help deter any criminals from trespassing.

To enroll in the House Watch Program, you can visit the Big Spring Police Department Records Division at 3613 W. Hwy 80, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit www.bigspringpd.net and click on the "House Watch Form" tab, complete the form and then push the submit button. Note: you may have to open the form using "Adobe Acrobat" in order to fill out the form and submit. If you have any trouble using the online form you can easily print the form, fill it out, scan and email it to records@bigspringpd.net.

The Big Spring Police Department recommends you complete your House Watch form and have it submitted to records@bigspringpd.net or brought to 3613 W. Hwy 80 Big Spring Texas "Attention: BSPD Records Division" one week prior to your departure date.

Here are some steps you can take prior to departing to safeguard your property, courtesy of the Big Spring Police Department:

• Stop mail and newspaper delivery• Leave shades/blinds in normal positions• Put automatic timers on lights; set the timers so they will turn on and off at random times in different rooms• Leave a key with a trusted neighbor in case of emergency• Lock all windows and doors• Have someone park a car in your driveway occasionally• Arrange to have the lawn mowed/snow plowed• Shut and lock your garage door

Borden County is headed back to Arlington for the second year in a row. The Coyotes look to take home another state championship where last year marked the school's fourth state title. Making it back to the big stage at AT&T Stadium still comes with a lot of emotion for both the team and the community.

Borden County is headed back to Arlington for the second year in a row. The Coyotes look to take home another state championship where last year marked the school's fourth state title. Making it back to the big stage at AT&T Stadium still comes with a lot of emotion for both the team and the community.